The alliance did not provide anyone for an interview, but said in a statement: “Catalyst theft is a major problem in California and across the country. We work closely with legislators and law enforcement agencies to determine how laws or other efforts, including public education and improved penalties for illegal possession, can help deter this type of criminal activity. Breaking into a house, apartment, hotel room (or any other building where people live) is still a crime in California. This is called a “first-degree attack” or “burglary.” But not everyone can park on a well-lit street or garage, and devices do not guarantee protection. Art`s Automotive Cabrera says it has seen cars with anti-theft deterrents that always end up with their stolen converters. Car dealers who would have been tasked with engraving numbers on converters opposed the bill. They didn`t think it would deter theft, said Brian Maas, president of the California New Car Dealers Association, and thought it could be expensive. For cars where the catalytic converter is easy to reach, it wouldn`t take long, he said. But for others, for example, a car that has a converter on its engine block could cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to engrave, Maas said. The value of precious metals in converters, especially rhodium, has skyrocketed since late 2019, which could fuel the rise in thefts. Rhodium is currently valued at about $14,000 per troy ounce, about eight times the current price of gold. There are several common defense strategies in a theft case.
This includes the position that: A disproportionate proportion of catalytic converter thefts take place in California. Here`s what lawmakers are trying to do about it, and why a law enforcement-backed approach hasn`t come out of Sacramento. Residents against supermarkets. According to the police, this does not lead the neediest to fill the food basket, but mainly to organized mafias selling stolen products (from technology to expensive food to medicine) in alternative markets. Walgreens representatives say the theft rate at the San Francisco facility is four times higher than the average for other businesses in the country, so they closed 17 of their stores there in 2021. Nationally, 37 percent of the Bureau`s 2021 catalytic converter theft claims were the Golden State, a disproportionate share even considering California`s large population. From decriminalization to ridicule. The austerity with which the region`s thieves are now acting is outrageous. They feel safe from impunity. To protect them from possible attacks, supermarket chains are now ordering their employees, including security officials, not to intervene. No one confronts perpetrators who, if physically disabled, could file a complaint if they are wounded in combat.
According to police, less than 3% of reported robberies end up in court. CalMatters contacted Ford, Toyota and Honda. Ford did not respond to CalMatters` questions. Toyota also did not respond to CalMatters` questions, but a spokesperson said in a statement: “Catalytic converter theft is an industry-wide challenge. The most effective approach requires close collaboration between the automotive industry in general and local and state authorities to develop legislative solutions to eliminate the market for these stolen parts. If you are charged with theft by force, it is imperative that you consult a San Francisco attorney who specializes in defending those accused of theft. He will be able to explain your legal rights and defend you resolutely. It is in your best interest to seek legal help quickly to assess your situation. There are situations where hiring a lawyer quickly is crucial to your case, for example, if you are accused of a crime.
It may also be in your best interest for a lawyer to check the fine print before signing legal documents. A lawyer can also help you get the compensation you deserve if you have suffered a serious injury. In cases where property or money is at stake, a lawyer who guides you through the complexities of the legal system can save you time, hassle, and potentially bad times in the long run. San Francisco has decriminalized petty theft. So supermarkets are closing stores Are we facing a bigger crime wave or not? There, the answer depends on the source from which you get the data. Officials in the region say the problem is mainly a more or less fixed number of repeat offenders who act without consequences. Since 2016, various reports from retail chains such as Safeway, Target or CVS pharmacies have appeared in the press, indicating an increase in thefts of between 15 and 50%. According to a 2019 Fox News report, San Francisco has the highest property crime rate among the 20 most populous cities in the country.
The first three bills became law, while the fourth was not voted on in the Assembly at the end of August. This bill was sponsored by the Los Angeles District Attorney`s Office and was intended to facilitate the investigation and prosecution by law enforcement agencies of catalytic converter theft. If you are looking for the San Francisco flight lawyer that perfectly suits your needs, the Lawyer Directory is the best tool. Our directory contains experienced and ethical professionals to help you in your legal situation. San Francisco has historically had one of the highest shoplifting rates in California. The national average before the pandemic was about 2,000 per 100,000 population.